Global Surgery PhD Pathway Bridges Real-World Expertise and Academic Recognition

Oxford Brookes, in collaboration with the University of Oxford’s Global Surgery Research Group, is making a global impact with its PhD by Published Work in Global Surgery, having recently celebrated the successful graduation of its first cohort.

By merging Oxford Brookes’ academic framework with Oxford’s international surgical networks, this pioneering pathway enables established clinical leaders to earn doctoral recognition without stepping away from vital practice.

This pathway represents one of many key initiatives reflecting Oxford Brookes’ ongoing commitment to serving as an active civic partner locally and internationally.

Professor Paul Carding, Director of the Oxford Institute of Applied Health Research (OxInAHR) at Oxford Brookes University and the program's Director of Studies, highlights the motivations behind this initiative:

"Through the Global Surgery Research Group's extensive networks across South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya, Zimbabwe, India, Malaysia, and Bangladesh, we saw high-achieving clinicians facing barriers to doctoral study—from workload demands and financial pressures to career timing and limited access to traditional programs—despite having published extensively. Crucially, it addresses a global demand for doctorally trained surgeons who can deliver evidence-based research to inform healthcare practices and policy."

How the Pathway Works

Unlike a traditional three-to-four-year PhD driven by a prospective research proposal, a PhD by Publication operates in reverse. 

Professor Carding notes that: "In a traditional PhD, the student is primarily in a training role. Here, it is a true three-way partnership between the senior clinician, the Oxford university supervisors, and the Oxford Brookes’ directors of studies. Everyone brings equal amounts of different knowledge to the table, which makes it deeply rewarding for candidates and supervisors alike.”

Unlocking Career Advancement and Policy Influence

Professor Kokila Lakhoo from the University of Oxford, is the co-supervisor for the pathway and has a wealth of experience as lead for the Oxford University Global Surgery Group, the past president of the global initiative for children's surgery (GICS) and the past president of the international forum for the British Association of Paediatric Surgeons. Prof Lakhoo emphasizes the professional significance of the pathway, noting:

“In many low- and middle-income countries, earning a doctorate is crucial to how you are recognized in your field. For many clinicians, it provides a clear route to promotion and confers the professional stature needed on a local, regional, national, and international stage.”

First Cohort Insights

Following his graduation, Prof. Hafeez Abdelhaffeez, Surgical Director of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology at the University of Rochester, was promoted to Professor. Prof.  Abdelhaffeez reflects on how the doctoral degree elevates his career and long-term research mission:

“It has laid out a clear roadmap for me. Moving forward, the goal is to implement these evidence-based surgical strategies and training frameworks on a broader scale. We are working to establish sustainable collaborative networks across institutions in low- and middle-income countries, focusing on capacity building, training local surgical teams, and ensuring that pediatric surgical oncology is fully integrated into national health and cancer control plans.

Professor Abdelhaffeez continues: "...On a personal level, the PhD process refined my methodology and provided a much stronger academic platform to mentor the next generation of global surgeons and researchers.”

For Dr. Tahmina Banu, Professor and Director of the Chittagong Research Institute for Children's Surgery in Bangladesh, the pathway provided both personal validation and greater leverage within international decision-making bodies. She reflects on the deeper intellectual and professional shift:

“'Personally, a PhD in my field represents recognition of a lifetime of work dedicated to children's surgical care and equity. Professionally, the PhD strengthens my ability to engage in academic leadership, mentor young researchers, and contribute more effectively to global discussions on surgical policy, training, and system development.”

Dr Banu adds: “I was also surprised by how much intellectual growth came from reflection rather than from data generation.”

Eligibility and Applications

The pathway is designed for established professionals with a clear link to the Global Surgery Department at Oxford University. To enquire about eligibility please contact Professor Paul Carding by email at pcarding@brookes.ac.uk.